Prior to 1859, Rev. G. Reichhardt of Emanuel Lutheran Church of Hamilton County, Indiana, was the first Lutheran minister to attempt mission work in Tipton county.

In the Year of 1859, Rev. Reichhardt was successful, with the help of God, in gathering together the scattered Lutherans southwest of Tipton and organized them into a church body under the name of "The Evangelical Lutheran St. John's congregation of Tipton, County, Indiana". Two years later a constitution was adopted and was signed by the following: John Weigand, Sr.; Carl F. Meyers; William Pape; Lawrence Beck; Nicholas Stillwagon; John P. Weigand, Jr; Frederick Smelser, and Adam Angstandt.

This newly organized congregation first worshipped in a public school, but this arrangement not proving entirely satisfactory, the members resolved to build their own house of worship. From the minutes of March 28, 1859, we learn that it was resolved to erect a building 22x30 from 12 to 14ft high.

On December 5, 1859, this church was dedicated to the service of God, Rev. G. Reichhardt, the first pastor preaching the sermon. For almost forty years this sturdy little band struggled on and grew in membership and spiritually under the blessing hand of the Almighty. Seven pastors served the church during this period of 40 year: Revs. G. Koestering, M. Michael, H. Schlesselmann, J.H. Bethke, F.w. Husman, C.W. Shedler, and H.C. Jaus.

To the Arcadia church, mother church of Tipton county Lutheranism, we owe a debt of gratitude. Until 1890 Arcadia's pastors served St. John's and her members took our children into their homes, by the week, so that they could be instructed and confirmed.

In the spring of 1892, St. John's Lutheran Church called a young candidate to be its pastor, H.C. Jaus, a graduate of Springfield Seminary. He began his work in the fall of that year. He was the man who, under God's gracious guidance, kept things going and did much especially with the youth, to build up a healthy parish which flourished to the glory of God. Jaus was a Minnesota farmer's son, an ambitious young man who wanted to do more work than St. John's could give him. He began looking around for scattered Lutherans, north and east of the city of Tipton, and succeeded in gathering a number of families whom he invited to a religious service in the City Council Chamber. This was the beginning of Emanuel Lutheran Church.

Rev, Boester preached his introductory sermon to the little Tipton flock, which at that time numbered 32 souls, in the Presbyterian Church on August 20, 1895. On Febmary 12, 1896, Emanuel Lutheran Church was organized with nine voting members: John Weismiller, Christian Teuscher, John W. Pape, August H. Pape, George Landseadel, Herman Pape, John Weismiller, Jr., Fred Teuscher and George Zittinger.

Only two months after this organization was effected, in a meeting of april 26, 1896, this small Emanuel Congregation decided in the fear of the Lord, being convinced that afternoon services in a rented church were not conducive to a rapid and healthy growth, to build its own chapel. It was decided to purchase convenient property and to build a church building 26 x 34. Lots were then purchased in the southwest part of the city and erection of the church began. On July 19, 1896, just 100 years ago, the building was dedicated to the services of the Lord. Although it rained, still not only all members were present, but also a large number of brethren from St. John's and from Arcadia. Rev. Boester performed the dedicatory act. Rev. Jaus preached German in the forenoon service, and Rev. Jensen of Arcadia conducted the afternoon German service. Rev. Boester preached English in the evening. Now Emanuel Congregation had its own church.

A very important event now took place which greatly changed activities in Tipton County - a move which undoubtedly was according to the will of the Lord of the church, and which since its inauguration, has developed a strong fortress of true Lutheranism for Tipton and for the entire county. This move was the amalgamation of St.John's and Emanuel into one congregation. With one stroke of the pen, so to speak, Emanuel Church more than doubled its membership Having had 60 communicant members before the amalgamation, she now had 145. Talk of amalgamation had been heard for several years, bat the psychological moment finally came when the parish became vacant. It was during this vacancy in the summer of 1901, while Rev. Theodore Hahn, pastor at Arcadia, served the parish that the amalgamation was consummated.

The strengthened, united congregation, bearing the name of the Lord and Master, Emanuel, God with us, now received as its pastor the Rev. H. Stuehm, formerly pastor of one of our churches in Ohio. In the meantime, a parsonage of six rooms, located near the church was purchased, to which two more rooms were added later on. The buildings of old St. John's were sold and the land reverted to its original owners. The money realized from the sale of the buildings was added to the parsonage fund. During the pastorate of Rev. Stuehm, it soon became apparent that, as a result of the amalgamation, the little frame church could not accomodate all members, and that a new church must be built.

The Rev. C. W. Baer, pastor of our church at Dillsboro, Indiana, was now called. He was installed here in September 1905, just one month before the completion of the new brick church. It was on Sunday October 8, 1905, that the dedication of the new church took place. Three services were held. The dedication was led by Pastor Baer. Rev. H. C. Jaus preached the German sermon in the morning service, Rev. Boester English in the afternoon, and Rev. Stuehm English in the evening. Six full years Rev. Baer labored for Emanuel with visible blessings from God. In November 1911, He received a call from the Lutheran church at Valparaiso, Indiana.

The year 1913 will always remain an important year for Emnuel Congregation, for it was in that year that we were taken into the voting membership of our Synod. Mr. George Doversberger was the first representative at the meeting of the Central District held in Fort Wayne.

In 1916, since we were employing the first full time teacher, Rev. Kase had extra time, asked for, and was given permission to do mission work in Kokomo. From this beginning the Kokomo mission grew into the organization of Redeemer Congregation. On October 22, 1921, Emanuel Congregation was presented the news that the Cincinnati Lutherans desired the services of our pastor as city missionary of Cincinnati and pastor at Silverton, a newly developed suburb. Convinced of the importance of this great and unlimited field in city missions, the Voters' Assembly granted Rev. Kase a peaceful dismissal.

In the thirteen and one-half years under Rev. Schwan's guidance, our congregation did its share in the financing of Kokomo's new church building program; a mission undertaking of the circuit and assisted in starting the new mission projects at Rochester, Noblesville, and Muncie, For a limited time our pastor served as a field man in the Chicago territory.

In the last years of his ministry here, he conducted monthly services at the County infirmary. Teacher Witte and the young people, and the children of the church furnished the singing and instrumental music. This was the first time this mission was successfully undertaken. Rev. Schwan gave the best of his talents in preaching and music.

Rev. Schwan and family, all gifted in music, were instrumental in bringing the music of the church to a high standard. We had our first robed choir and presented several cantatas, the outstanding number being "Redemption" by Marie Heine.

We think of pastor Schwan especially in connection with his arduous work in planning and building our new Assembly Hall, which was erected in 1928. He was well supported in this undertaking by the various organizations within the church. The Voters' Assembly voted forty-seven to six in favor of the building. The congregation was expanding and we still had nothing but the small fame building, formerly the church, to accommodate our Christian Day School, the Ladies Aid, and the young people's activities. First steps were taken at our Silver Jubilee (1921) when this special collection was set aside to start a Building Fund. Through the years this fund was increasing and six lots were purchased on Fairview Avenue opposite the church property. Lew Richards, a Tipton architect as engaged. The contract was let to carpenters E. Rosenthal and ff. Dellinger and C.C. Goontz, a mason contractor of Muncie to erect the building at an estimate cost of $21,000 Chris Landseadel was engaged to do the cement work. The cornerstone was laid April 1928, and the building was dedicated in September of the same year.

The Rev A. H. Fedder of Columbus, Ohio, accepted our call, a graduate of St. Louis Seminary, 1928. During his residence here, the teacher, Mr. Fred Witte, and his wife occupied the parsonage; the pastor being unmarried, lived in a rented apartment. During Rev. Fedder's four years here, pastoral letters were mailed at irregular intervals to the members. These took the place of a church paper. Brass candles and crucifix for the altar, and a new church carpet were purchased by the Ladies' Aid, and equipment and improvements were made on the church property. Rev. Fedder had every department of his congregation at heart. By active participation in the program of the various organizations, he encouraged his parishioners to take a deeper interest in the study of the church at home and at large. Under his leadership the congregation earnestly applied itself toward the liquidation of the large indebtedness on the Parish Hall.

One week later, January 7, 1940, the Rev. Albert A. Singer, was installed in an impressive service by the Rev. E. Wunderluch of Arcadia. Rev. Singer, a native of Canada came to Emanuel from Wyoming, Minnesota. Among the joyous occasions in his ministry here were the dedication of a new church organ and the burning of the mortgage, marking the liquidation of the debt on the school building, the total cost of which had been $27,000 In time for this festive occasion, the church had been redecorated, fluorescent lights installed, and a few Sundays before, the new Lutheran Hymnals had been dedicated. During Rev. Singer's pastorate the Ladies Aid affiliated with the Women's Missionary League of our Synod.

In the summer of 1944, after eighteen years of faithful service as teacher of the school, choir director and church organist, Mr. Fred Witte tendered his resignation to accept the Principalship of the school of Emanuel Lutheran Church at New Haven, Indiana. At a farewell banquet in his honor, wishes were exrpessed for God's continued blessing on his future work in His kingdom.

Immediate steps were taken to call a new teacher. These were war years and the beginning of a great scarcity of teachers in our Synod. Three calls proved unsuccessful before the opening of a new term, and the emergency Miss Ruth Rossow , a student at River forest, was engaged to teach one term. At the close of the school year, a farewell party was given in her honer. She left with good wishes of the congregation. Efforts were resumed in January 1945, to secure a resident teacher. Finally in late May, the prayers of the congregation were answered. Mr. Harold F. Meier of Alva, Oklahoma, accepted our call. After much difficulty because of the war-time housing shortage, a teacherage was purchased at the corner of Adams and Conde Streets. A down payment of $1,OOO was made on the property by the Ladies Aid, The Meiers arrived on the evening of VJ Day, August 14, 1945. Installation services were held and a reception was given. At this time the congregation had its first school board composed of Alfred Leininger, Gavril Kakasuleff, and Raymond Leininger.

The war years put extra burdens on our pastors and congregations alike throughout Synod. Our congregation was no exception in that respect. Except for six weeks during the summer of 1944 when the pastor consulted specialists in Wisconsin and Rochester, Minnesota, Rev. Singer carried on his work with unabated zeal and courage, but his health was failing fast. On Sunday, October 21, 1945, he preached his last sermon. The following day he entered an Indianapolis hospital to undergo treatment for a heart ailment. After three weeks stay, he was returned to his home unimproved. He was then granted a six months leave of absence by the congregation,but on the advice of the attending physician, he tendered his resignation, to return to Wisconsin. On December 3O,l945, two members of the congregation accompanied him, and his family to Fond Du Lac, to the home of relatives. Shortly after that he entered a hospital where, on April 24th, he passed away at the age of thirty-nine years.

On January 6, 1946, the Rev 0. R. Schlegelmilch of Cross Plains, Indiana, was extended a call which he accepted with the provision that he be granted time to complete instruction and confirmation of children's and adult classes. This was granted him and then he moved promptly. Installation services were conducted Sunday evening, February 24th, by the Rev. L, A Buuck. Rev. 0. Hartman of Muncie preached the sermon.

On May 25, 1947, Mr. Meier accepted a call to Luther High School in Chicago. During that summer four calls were sent out for a principal but none were accepted. Rev. Schlegelmilch taught during the 1947-48 school term. Other calls were sent from October through January of 1948, until Mr, A. C. Koester accepted our call. His school duties were to begin with the fall term of 1948.

On January 4, 1948, the congregation decided to sell the old teacherage on Adams Street and build a new one. In April a lot on Jackson street was purchased and a new home was built that summer.

1948 also saw the beginning of a Church Building Fund and the start of the Parent Forum.

On Januay 7, 1951, the congregation appointed a committee to conduct a survey on the service ability of the church plant. The following July a Church Campaign Committee was appointed to create interest in a new church building project.

In the fall of 1953, the congregation sadly released Mr. Koester so that he could pursue higher education. His release was effective June 1, 1954. From December through May, five calls were sent for a principal. On May 23, 1954, a call was sent to and accepted by Mr. Martin Cloeter.

The Voters decided in April 1954 to redecorate the present church building. In the fall of the same year, a third teacher was added to the school, Ms, Schlegelmilch being hired to teach for most of the day.

Rev. Benning was installed on September 20, 1959, in a service conducted by Rev. Norman Luecht. Rev. Carl Lueker was the speaker.

On August 20, 1961, the Voters decided to appoint a Parsonage Building Committee. At this same meeting a new Constitution for the church was adopted.

On August 12, 1962, the contract for the parsonage was let and an Open House was held on March 31, 1963, when the congregation was invited to see the new home.

On January 10, 1965, a call was extended to Rev. Donald W. Biester. He was installed on March 14th. The Rev. Carl Lueker serving as officiant and Rev. John Klausmeier preaching the sermon.

After a survey of the congregation, the Voters decided to elect a nine member Church Building Committee in July 1965. That same month it was decided to purchase a new Allen Organ and the Ladies Aid purchased a new carpet for the church. In the fall and winter a Couples Club was formed, a constitution adopted. On February 9, 1966, James Associates of Indianapolis were hired to plan a new church. On April 17th, it was decided to purchase a new furnace for the school. The Voters also decided to use the services Of H. P. Demand and Company, fund raising counselors. On April 25, 1966, Emanuel celebrated her 70th Anniversary. Rev. Fedder and Rev. Schlegelmilch were guest speakers. In the early part of 1966, a new church building site was purchased on Highway 19, south of town. During July, a Financial Drive Campaign Dinner was held and the Building Fund Drive begun. This drive ended successfully with a Victory Tea in August. In November, the Building Committee received the initial plans for the new church. These plans were accepted during a special meeting in December. This year marked the beginning of regular live Sunday Morning broadcasts over WBMP-FM Elwood; also the 'Living Nativity' was presented by the Walther League. The choir, under the direction of Rev. Biester, broadcasted a special Christmas Day Service over the Elwood station.

In 1967, children of school age began using church envelopes. Activities during the year centered around the church building program, It was decided to borrow $200,000 for the new church; city water was to be extended to the new church site; contract for the new church was approved. The Ladies Aid started a green stamp program for a new piano to be used in the new church. They also sold Keepsake Plates of the old church.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS DURING 1967 were
   April 2 - Groundbreaking Service for new church
   September 29 - Date Stone laying at new church
   November 26 - Final Service held in old church
   December 3 - Dedication of new church

During the year the choir purchased new robes which were worn for the first time at the Church dedication. The bid was accepted for demolishing the old church.

For many years the congregation had four districts and elders. with the beginning of 1968, this was enlarged to five for better balance and service. To recognize the high school Seniors, our first Baccalaureate service was conducted in their honor on May 26, 1968. Io help beautify the church property, the Men's Club undertook the project of planting trees and shrubs. Since the congregation had received several requests from people in the community to see our new church facility, we had an Open House on December 3. In support of the program of broadcasting our Sunday Morning Service, the Ladies Aid began sponsoring two broadcasts a month in memory of departed members of Emanuel.

On January 18-19, 1969, three hundred attended our mission fair on central and south America. Changes in our Day School took place this year. The Voters decided to establish a Kindergarten in September 1969, and to drop the 7th and 8th grades. Mr. Weiss, our principal, resigned to enter the Springfield Seminary to prepare for the ministry. Mr. Richard Wegner, a River Forest graduate, was installed as school principal on July 27. Holy communion is being offered every Sunday, except the 5th Sunday of the month. In March 1969, family pictures were taken for the Church's pictorial Directory. The name of the young people's group was changed from Walther League to Emanuel Fellowship League.

As a part of the on-going ministry of our church, the Dial-A-Prayer program was begun on March 22, 1970 This program consists of a one minute devotion and prayer. The second Folk Service, in which the young people take part in, was held on May 8th with the celebration of Holy Communion.

During 1971 Emanuel celebrated its 75th Anniversary. Confirmation reunions were held during the year and the highlight was the celebration and worship service held on October 3, 1971 in which Dr. Preus, our synod president, was guest speaker.

Mr, Ron Bork, graduate of Seward, was called to be our Principal in 1971 replacing Richard Wegner who took a call to Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The last quarter of a century has seen many changes at Emanuel. We added a Pastoral Assistant to our staff in the early 70's, the first being Rev. Ewald Lorenz. They help with visiting the sick, elderly, and also assisted in the church service in the absence of the Pastor and help with communion when necessary. He and Mrs. Lorenz were part of our family at Emanuel for approximately eleven years.

In 1974, Emanuel changed its constitution and form of church, government from a Voters Assembly to a Board of Directors with the first organizational meeting being held November 13, 1973.

During the early 70's, changes to the building structures were made making the Word of the Lord available to all who so desire. Our sound system was updated by a memorial. The bell from the old church was electrified also with monies from a memorial. The gas lights lining our driveway were converted to electricity and then later lights were placed on both sides of the drive.

Vicar Gremel and his family arrived in August of 1979. On April 13, 1980, Emanuel was blessed to be the scene of Vicar Gremel's ordination into Holy Ministry. In 1983, Rev. Fred Rediger filled the position of pastoral Assistant that was vacated when Rev. Lorenz left. He and Mrs. Rediger were with us until November 1994. Both of these men gave to Emanuel God's love and inspiration with which they had over flowing in their years after retirement.

The lots on Fairview Avenue, on which the old church stood, were sold in 1979.

Our young peoples organization was changed from Emanuel Fellowship League to Lutheran Youth Fellowship in 1979. Strength, Trust, Power (STP) was organized for the 7th and 8th graders of our congregation. Later 6th graders were added to the group.

Jim Prill was called from St. Johns Lutheran School, Indianapolis, to fill the principal vacancy of our school in 1981.

To minister to the growing needs of our congregation several changes were made in the 1980's. To show our concerns for our own members and others a Prayer Chain was organized at Emanuel and we started delivery of Meals On Wheels during two months of the year.

An Allen Digital Computer Organ System 603 was purchased by the members in 1982. This instmment help make the introduction of the new hymnal easier for all those involved. We replaced the "Paise The Lord" song book with "Blessed to Sing" song book. Rev. Gremel introduced the Bethel Bible Series to the congregation and to date over a third of the congregation has completed the series.

Formation of a Salary Study Committee, establishing a Housing Equity Fund for the pastor and principal, and forming an Emanuel Trust Fund which enables people to make special gifts to the congregation and designate how the gifts are to be used were introduced to the congregation to show better stewardship. The Board of elders was increased from 5 elders to 9 elders consisting of 8 elder districts divided alphabically with 1 chief elder to better minister to the members of the congregation. At this time Elders were first used as readers of the scripture lessons and assisting the pastor with Communion in addition to greeting worshipers as they enter the sanctuary. The use of attedance cards was introduced during this period to assist in the accuracy of church attendance and communion. Computers were purchased for the church office and an additional person was added part time to the secretary staff. Voting age was changed from 14 years to 18 years to correspond with state law. A Scholarship Fund was established for any member of Emanuel attending a Concordia College or Seminary. A nursery for 3 and 4 year olds was started to offer Christian education to our members and other unchurched friends.

The parsonage was remodeled in 1984. This included adding a second floor to the existing structure.

In 1987, Thomas Heuer was called to be our Director of Christian Education & Music later changed to Principal and Family Life Ministries Director to replace Jim Prill who took a call to Wisconsin. Structural change to the church building was a canopy on the north side of the building funded by monies from a memorial. At this time the govenment was having all public buildings checked for "asbestos", our school was found to contain it. This in addition to several other physical problems with our school building plus a declining enrollment our school was closed in 1988. The school building was then sold in 1989.

In 1988, preschool was first held in our church building with the teacher being our member, Miss Debra Smith. There were discussions of haing a Child Care Center at our church in order to witness to our friends and neighbors but having looked into the State requirements it was tabled for the present time.

A storage building 30'X 40'X 11' was erected on the back side of our property to house records, mateials, equipment etc.

The talk of the restoration of old St. Johns was begun in the early eighties and in August of 1993, the actual building was moved from inside a barn on a farm southwest of our church to the back of our church grounds. It is in the process of being restored to the state when there were actual services held in it.

An extensive Expansion and Renovation of our church building was started in 1990 and dedicated on February 3, 1991. We enclosed our courtyard for class rooms, a music room and an Altar Guild/acolyte/banner storage room, a gift center, a library, addition of handicapped restrooms, administrative- remodeling of pastor's office and secretary's office, brick restoration and sealing, ceiling insulation, window and door replacement, reroof and flashing of the building. Dimensions Inc. of Kokomo, Indiana was our architect. Our own Boards of Stewardship and Finance conducted fund raising campaign in order to save money. The pews of the church were recovered in 1993 with monies from a memorial.

Changes in 1991 included the sale of the teacherage and ceasing the use of the common cup at Communion except for pastors and those assisting them.

The use of the radio has been one of Emanuel's many out reaches to the community. In the sixties, seventies and eighties, we were heard live over the Elwood radio station. In the nineties, we elected to go to WWKI Kokomo with taped messages. We currently operate a fair booth at our local 4-H fair, participate in the Pork Festival, and we hold a Blood drive at our church once a year as out reach to the community. In the early nineties, our early service was videotaped and then the local TV station would show it weekly.

In 1998, Emanuel Lutheran Church has been added to the World Wide Web. With the advancements in computers, we have the opportunity to reach people around the globe.